Man hikes SC's uncompleted Palmetto Trail

Scot Ward is charting a course from South Carolina's Upstate mountains to the sparkling coast of the Atlantic Ocean, and he is recording his trip so others can repeat the journey.

Followers had better like the outdoors though, because Ward is making the trip on foot.

The Palmetto Trail was born in 1994 with the idea of creating a unified network of trails across the state that would feature all of South Carolina's diverse natural beauty. Since then, more than 320 miles of trail have been completed, but sections are still missing. Rather than being a continuous trail, the Palmetto Trail is currently a series of trail segments. According to a written statement, the Palmetto Conservation Foundation estimates 105 miles of trails are missing.

Ward started walking Nov. 8 in Oconee State Park. He is attempting to map a continuous route, integrating each section of the trail for those who want to hike it before its yet-undetermined completion date. Ward is using public roads to connect the sections of trail.

"I'm staying to small country roads, no highways. I want to keep it safe for everyone so they can enjoy the trip," Ward said.

Along the way, Ward is noting camping, water and food locations so his book will provide a comprehensive resource for hikers who want to make the trip. Ward recently passed through Spartanburg. He popped out of the Mary Black Rail Trail on South Pine Street, restocking at Ingles.

"My book is going to be by a hiker, for a hiker. Where's the food? Water? Camping?" he said.

This is Ward's second attempt to chart his own through-route from trail pieces. He did the same thing in North Carolina on the Mountains to Sea Trail and published a manual similar to the one he is working on in South Carolina.

Ward said he hopes his adventure and book will make it easier for more hikers to visit the Mountain to Sea Trail and the Palmetto Trail. The more hikers there are, the more it raises awareness for trail maintenance, resources for hikers and the completion of the trails, he said.

While his road-side forays are distinctly different from his experience on the Appalachian Trail, where Ward said he got hooked on hiking, he said he's having fun with his South Carolina trip and has enjoyed meeting people and seeing the state's communities.

"That's what's so fascinating about these trails is you get to see the whole state," he said. "I no longer think of these trails as wilderness adventures; I think of them as people adventures."

Ward, who considers himself a nomad, planned to reach the coast in mid-December so he could go to Florida to begin another hike. He, however, said he's decided to take his time in South Carolina and not rush. The Palmetto Conservation Foundation is encouraging residents and hiking enthusiasts to track Ward's progress online at http://www.palmettoconservation.org.